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How To Choose

Choosing a New Mattress In Marin County Can Be Easy

There’s really only one criterion for finding the best mattress—it has to feel comfortable to you and your partner, if you share a bed.

It really is that easy. But when you shop for a mattress, it may feel a lot harder.

There are many different mattress types available—should you go for a foam or an innerspring mattress? What about pillow-tops or deep mattresses? What are coils and what kind and how many should there be?

Yes, all the available options can make it seem a daunting prospect when you are looking for a new mattress in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, or other Marin County cities such as Tiburon, Sausalito, or Fairfax. Keep in mind that you will be spending hours on whatever mattress you choose – some say we spend up to a third of our lives sleeping. So your new mattress must be comfortable for those sleeping on it.

Use the information below to give you a little information, a little window into the world of mattresses. With a little background preparation, you’ll be able to evaluate what you’re hearing from the mattress vendor’s representative.

You’ll know what you want to follow up and what is not important to you. By all means, if you are a detail-oriented person, record all the details and follow them up. If you’re not, don’t be afraid to just choose the mattress you find comfortable.

What You Are Actually Seeking In a Marin County Mattress Vendor
When you go mattress shopping, the issue of the “firm” mattress almost always comes up. It’s reported as both a commonplace and a myth that experts recommend selecting the “firmest” mattress possible for the best back health and sleep. It all comes down to understanding what that actually means.

In general, experts do seem to agree that the best mattresses are the firmest – for you. That does not mean you should not rush out to buy the hardest mattress you can find in Marin County, whether you are in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, or Larkspur. Bodies differ by age, weight, medical conditions, etc.

What is firm for one person may not be firm for another person. You should always find a mattress that feels comfortable to you. The “firm” part comes in because the mattress should provide support for your spine as you rest. In an innerspring mattress, for example, the support comes from the springs, or coils, so you will want coils that support you properly. So, if we rephrase the old saying, it may be better to say that you want to buy the mattress that provides the firmest support for your spine while providing comfort.

When you lie down on your side on the mattress, your spine should align as if you were standing. When the mattress is too soft, your spine will curve as your body sinks into it. When the mattress is too hard, you will begin to feel soreness in the body parts that touch the bed. To see if the mattress is too soft, try to turn over or shift position. If you find it hard to make a move, the mattress is probably too soft.

This is important because as you sleep, you make many small adjustments that are good for your spine’s health. To see if the mattress is too hard, lie on your back and try to slip your hand under the arch in your back. If your hand goes in easily, the bed is too hard. It’s important that the bed not be too hard because then the pressure points – where your body actually rests on the bed – will start to have the blood flow constricted, causing you to toss and turn. These tossing and turning movements are much bigger than the small adjustments that benefit you and can disturb your sleep.

People typically fall into being side sleepers, back sleepers, or stomach sleepers, but we all can take on any position during the night. So be sure to test not only your habitual sleeping position, but also all possible positions. Make sure you get enough support so that in any position you can move easily while also ensuring that you won’t get aches from a too-hard mattress.

When you look for a mattress, support is one of the critical factors, with comfort being another. The support question can be framed as: does the internal part of the mattress allow your spine to rest in a natural position, can you move easily, and are you free from body aches where you come into contact with the mattress.

A mattress’s comfort comes from the padding and other layers of the mattress. In an innerspring mattress, for example, layers of padding cover the internal springs. These layers provide the comfort. Here the question is whether the padding and the other layers let you feel comfortable as you rest. Some people prefer very soft and luxurious padding, while others prefer less. This is probably the area that is the most difficult to judge – making sure that you have enough comfort but also enough support.

Shoppers can find several different mattress types in Marin County stores whether they live in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, or Larkspur. No matter what type of mattress you want, you’ll find a range of prices. One suggestion when you are looking for a mattress is to start with inexpensive mattresses. Keep trying increasingly expensive mattresses until you find one that is comfortable. When you find one that you like, look at other mattresses in the same price range to determine which one you like the best.

Another suggested approach is to choose what you are willing to spend and then have the mattress stores show you options in that range. If you take this approach, you might want to research a little to see what you can expect in your price range – mattresses may be more expensive than you remember.

As you look around at different vendors, be aware that many mattress manufacturers and vendors like to offer “exclusive” mattresses. This means that a mattress that has one name at one store may have a different name at a different store – even if the mattresses share the same specifications. This makes it hard to compare mattress prices across different stores by name. You can usually compare by brand and approximate price point, and you can definitely compare by writing down specifications.

Now let’s take a look at some mattress types.

Locating An Innerspring Mattress in Marin County
Innersprings are the most popular type of mattress. They are built around a core of springs, or coils. These springs provide the support for the mattress. The springs are covered by several layers of filler, then a top layer, called padding. The whole is encased in an outer covering, called ticking. Here’s where a lot of the complexity and details come in to try to distract you.

Again, remember that you are looking for what is comfortable for you. No single factor is going to decide whether the bed is comfortable or not – it’s going to be the combination of all the factors together. So, if you want to compare options, by all means jot down specifications, as that is sometimes truly the only way to compare mattresses across vendors, since the names can differ. But don’t necessarily commit to a certain wire gauge or spring type as your only decision maker.

Springs give innerspring mattresses the support and durability that the mattress provides over its lifespan. There are five characteristics to look for in springs when you are looking for a mattress in Marin County, whether you are in Novato, Mill Valley, San Rafael, San Anselmo, or Larkspur, or in the smaller cities of Strawberry Point, Tomales, Ross, or Belvedere. The type, number, number of turns, wire gauge, and spring distribution can all play a role.

The four types of innerspring coils are as follows:

A continuous coil system occurs when one piece of wire is used to create all the coils. Continuous coils are also joined at the top and bottom into a single unit. With a continuous coil system, manufacturers say that they can put even more coils into the mattress, which they say will increase support and decrease mattress motion. If you are looking for a continuous coil system, the number of coils is not relevant.

Open-ended coils differ from hourglass or continuous coils in that the top and bottom of each coil is free to move on their own. Because of this, the body of the coil offers support, while the top or bottom can move to offer better comfort. The coils in an open-ended coil system tend to have more turns than continuous coil or hourglass springs; this means they need more wire and hence tend to cost more.

A pocket-spring mattress takes the independent spring function to its ultimate – each spring is set into its own fabric pocket, and since the springs are not connected – except by the mattress covering, the springs are free to react independently.

The hourglass spring was the first used in innerspring beds. They consist of springs that are joined together at the top and bottom. An hourglass spring will get more firm as it is compressed over time. The hourglass spring often appears in less expensive mattresses.

One consumer agency recommends that there be at least 450 coils in a king size mattress, 375 in a queen-size mattress, and 300 in a double mattress. Having more coils does not automatically make a mattress more comfortable. You should also note that in a continuous coil innerspring, the number of coils is not relevant.

The bends in the spring or coil are called “turns” or “active turns.” Each turn supports the weight on the mattress. When there are more turns, users find the bed softer. Durability improves because there are more turns sharing the load.

The wire quality in the springs varies based on its gauge or thickness. When using gauge to measure wire quality, you should know that more durable wire comes in lower gauges. For example, a 16-gauge wire is less strong and thick than a 13-gauge wire. When you are measuring in units such as millimeters, the opposite applies and a 16mm wire is stronger and thicker than a 13mm wire.

Spring distribution is sometimes touted as an important design factor. Some manufacturers put more springs in the middle of the bed for supporting the heaviest parts of the body. Some manufactures place extra support structures on the edge of the mattress. If you sit on the edge of the bed often, do make sure that the bed has good side support – you don’t want your support system failing from the edge. There’s no real way of proving whether or not distribution makes a difference – except in how you perceive the comfort.

In an innerspring mattress, both sides of the spring structure are covered with layers of filling. In less expensive mattresses, the filling could be coconut fibers, reclaimed cotton, or cheap foam. These fillings tend not to last over time too well, not being able to spring back, in addition to breaking into pockets and lumps. In more expensive mattresses, fillings tend to be premium foams and can range up to silk, cashmere, latex, and goosedown. While the higher-end fillings last somewhat better than the lower end ones, you are really paying for the comfort they supply rather than their durability.

All the layers in the mattress should not shift or bunch. In the most expensive mattresses, each layer is stitched into place by hand to prevent shifting. The outer-most layer of the mattress will probably differ in fabric, based on the price point. One consumer publication says that if the outer-most layer of the mattress has a larger pattern it makes the mattress feel softer, while a smaller quilt pattern makes the mattress feel firmer.

Some innerspring mattresses offer a “pillow-top” option. Carefully consider whether you want to buy one. Consumers tend to complain that pillow-tops can wear out well before the mattress does, leaving you with a lumpy top and perfectly decent mattress. An alternative is to use a mattress pad on top of a regular mattress.

As you look for your innerspring mattress in Marin County, whether you are looking in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, or in Ross or Corte Madera, keep in mind that your innerspring mattress rests on a foundation. A box spring is a wooden frame that sometimes has springs of its own to help support the mattress’s load. The frame is often covered in fabric to match the mattress.

When buying a new mattress, check the warranty to see if you must buy a new box spring at the same time. Some manufacturers require buying the box spring at the same time to maintain the warranty. If it’s not required, some people choose to continue using the same box spring if it is in good condition. It can be difficult to tell sometimes, so you might want to purchase a new box spring at the same time to improve the lifespan of your mattress.

Instead of a box spring, some choose a slatted bed base. These slats can flexible – meaning they move a bit, or fixed, meaning that they are fixed to the sides of the bed frames and don’t move at all. Slats allow air circulation, which can help with mildew problems. If you do have fixed slats, make sure they are close enough to support the mattress without allowing sagging. Innerspring mattresses can sit on a slatted base, if the warranty does not require the box spring. Slats are most often used for foam beds.

Dreaming of a Memory Foam Mattress in Marin County
Foam mattresses include latex and memory foam. Memory foam mattresses are made from polyurethane, but a polyurethane with its own distinct structure. Memory foam is also known as viscoelastic. Memory foam is said to remember the shape of the body.

Some memory foam users embrace it immediately, while some never get accustomed to it. It may take some time to adjust to a memory foam mattress, if you are moving from an innerspring. It’s also worth noting that you make small body adjustments during sleep, so you may want to consider how much you want the memory foam to “remember” your shape.

One factor to consider when you are considering looking for a memory foam mattress in Marin County, whether in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur or San Anselmo, is that viscoelastic responds to temperature. This means that it may be harder in cold weather and softer in warm weather. When you lie on it, it may take as long as 15 minutes to warm up and conform to your shape. Memory foam forms a close contour to the body, which means it may retain heat, which may be nice when it’s cooler but too hot when the weather heats up.

You should also consider whether the mattress allows you to move easily or conforms too tightly. Some users do not like the memory foam feel and compare it to wet sand. On the other hand, bed ridden patients may benefit from the way memory foam mattresses spread pressure across the mattress.

Memory foam mattresses are usually composed of the same substance throughout. Manufacturers offer statistics including how dense the mattress is in pounds per square foot. They offer statistics on resilience and tensile strength. They provide measures of compressibility, known as the indentation load deflection. These measurements really mean little to the buyer – you want to look for a mattress that is comfortable.

Be aware that some users complain about a smell that can take time to dissipate. You should also be aware that not all memory foam mattresses provide the same experience, and if you are interested, you should try mattresses from different manufacturers.

When You Want a Latex Foam Mattress in Marin County
Latex mattresses can be a good choice for those looking for a natural mattress, but be aware that there is also synthetic latex in some mattresses. The most commonly used latex right now is Dunlop, but manufacturers also use Talalay latex. The Talalay latex process creates a substance that is lighter and softer than the common latex. Though latex mattresses made from Talalay tend to cost more, there is no proof that they last longer or provide more comfort.

When looking for a latex mattress in San Rafael, Novato, Larkspur, San Anselmo, or Mill Valley, or in smaller cities like Sausalito, or Fairfax, consider looking for a mattress with a firm core and a softer outer layer – providing comfort and support at the same time. Some suffer from latex allergies, but for those who don’t but who have other allergies or who are asthmatic, latex can be a good option, since it resists mold and dust mites. Latex mattresses also tend to be good for sleeping with a partner since they don’t spread motion as much as an innerspring.

Latex mattresses are not heat and cold sensitive the way memory foam mattresses are, so you won’t notice a firmer mattress in cold weather, and the bed won’t need time to heat up. The latex also breathes better, so you don’t get the hot, enveloped feeling you sometimes get with memory foam.

A latex mattress should have perforations that measure at least one centimeter in diameter – larger holes provide better airflow so that your mattress feels cool. You can find latex mattresses that are completely biodegradable.

Air Mattress Comfort in Marin County
Your search for an air mattress in Marin County may take you to San Rafael, Larkspur, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, or Corte Madera. As you search, be aware of the difference between an air bed and an air mattress. An air bed is an inflatable that takes the place of an entire bed including the frame and mattress and support system. You typically inflate an air bed for visiting guests or camping. Note that health professionals warn that an air bed does not provide enough support for long-term use.

An air mattress rests in a bed frame like other mattresses. It has air pockets that can be blown up to different firmnesses. The air mattress is often sold as the solution to couples who have a difficult time agreeing on mattress firmness, but some users find that if you inflate the air mattresses to different levels, the beds can be uncomfortable, especially if there is a foam divider between the two air pockets.

Maintaining Your Mattress in Marin County
Whether you live in Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Corte Madera, or Ross, once you find your mattress, you’ll want to keep it in good shape over the long haul. Manufacturers often recommend that you change a mattress every 10 to 13 years, with some recommending 7 to 8 years. The mattress industry in fact has been leading campaigns to advocate for more frequent mattress changing. You’re sleeping on it – you know if there are craters or valleys or sagging.

Don’t ignore these as they can lead to back pain, poor sleep through tossing or turning, and undue pressure on certain parts of the body, which forces other parts to compensate. In general, you’ll be aware of when you need a new mattress.

Mattress care includes rotating and flipping. All mattresses need rotation. One manufacturer recommends that for the first three months you rotate the mattress every two weeks, then rotate it every two or three months. Some mattresses are designed to be single-sided.

For example, a pillow-top mattress has only one sleeping surface. These single-sided mattresses cannot be flipped. Dual-sided or double-sided mattresses should be flipped regularly to ensure even wear. The mattress handles are provided for shifting the mattress on its frame. They are not strong enough for carrying the mattress. When you are moving the mattress, try to keep it as straight as possible as you go through doors and hallways – avoid bending or folding it.

Do not use a worn out or sagging base – whether box spring or slats – with a new mattress, as it will affect the life of the mattress. Keep the mattress clean with a mattress protector. You can find special allergy-resistant protectors for allergy sufferers. Try to keep the mattress dry and without stains. If you sit on the edge of the bed often, for example, to put on your shoes, try to sit in different places.

Remember that it is legal in California to re-sell a used mattress. However, there are standards set by the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BHFTI) for how mattresses must be cleaned prior to re-sale. A re-sold mattress in California must carry a sanitization label, and you should not buy it if it does not have one.

Why Trust Diamond Certified Mattress Stores Rated Highest in Quality?

A consumer tests the plushness of a mattress at a mattress store.

You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a mattress company that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified mattress store. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated mattress company and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you’ll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

Know What You Want

Things to Consider As You Look for a New Mattress

You know that you have many decisions to make as you start to look for a mattress, whether you are shopping in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, or Corte Madera or Ross.

Don’t let yourself be intimidated by the long list of options, but do think about many of them seriously. Do you want a certain kind of mattress or do you want to try several kinds? Think about the rooms where you’ll be putting the mattress – are they your bedroom or are you furnishing a guest room? A guest room with infrequent use may not require the same mattress investment you may want to make for the beds your family uses every day.

To help you narrow your search, below is a list of questions to consider:

Do I want a Diamond Certified mattress store that is rated best in quality and backed by the Diamond Certified Guarantee?

What kind of base do I use for my current bed? Do I want to get the same kind again or a different type when I buy a new mattress?

Is partner disturbance a concern? Am I trying to minimize motion for someone else?

Do I have any health concerns – asthma, allergies – that I want to be sure to address?

Do I know whether I want an innerspring, a foam mattress, or a particular kind of foam mattress? Or do I want to try all kinds of mattresses?

What is the size of bed for which I am replacing the mattress? Will I need the same size mattress, or am I changing beds as well?

Do I want to change the size of the mattress?

Are new mattresses going to be deeper than my current mattress? Will this affect my bedding? Make it harder to get into or out of bed?

How far off the ground is my current mattress?

Is the bed just for me or I am sharing with someone?

Am I looking for natural or organic options for my new mattress?

What are the dimensions of the room – can I fit the size mattress that I want to get?

Are there specific issues that I want to be sure to take care of – for example, did my bed start sagging from the edge so that I need a strong edge-support system?

What To Ask In Person

Visiting Marin County Mattress Centers

Once you’ve decided which stores will offer you the right options to try, you can make the trek to San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, or wherever the hunt takes you in Marin County. You’ll want to test the mattresses personally.

You also will want to have a list of questions prepared so that you can guide the conversation. You’ll be looking for a mattress salesperson who’s knowledgeable about the product without pressuring you.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that will allow you to test the new mattresses in the stores. If you’ll be sharing the bed, take your partner with you.

Be bold – mattresses are one item where you can haggle on the price. It’s worth noting that industry insiders say that mattresses often have a very high markup. Sales often start at 50% off the original price. Stores also run frequent sales, so you should not feel that a specific sale is your last chance. One good negotiating technique is to have a competing price from another vendor.

Here are some questions you may want to bring along:

What are the details of mattress delivery? Will you take away my existing mattress and box spring?

What are the specific details of the warranty on this new mattress?

Can I see how this mattress looks on the inside?

What kind of base is this mattress on? When was the base changed?

Do you offer a trial period for this mattress so I can test it at home? If so, what are the details if I decide to return it? (delivery costs, shipping costs, refund or exchange?)

Are you having any mattress sales?

Is this mattress hand-tufted? (individual layers stitched separately)

What are the different layers (if any) in this particular mattress? (how many, what fabrics, etc.)

Is there a time limit on how long I can test the mattress in store? (You need at very least 15 minutes, and half an hour is better.)

What To Ask References

Questions for Marin County Mattress Store References

It’s best to choose a Diamond Certified mattress vendor because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can’t pass.

If you want quality from a mattress vendor in Marin County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews, because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

If you can’t find a Diamond Certified mattress vendor within reach, you’ll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it’s wise to call some references provided by your mattress vendor to see how their previous customers feel about the service and product they received.

Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the mattress vendors are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the contractors will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company’s 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.

Sample questions include these:

Do you think your mattress was worth the price you paid for it?

Did you feel the sales staff were knowledgeable about the mattresses in the store’s inventory?

Did you feel pressure to cut your test short? Or were you allowed to stay on the bed for a reasonable time? (At least 15 minutes, with 30 being better.)

Did you choose a mattress of the type that interests me? (These may include innerspring, memory foam and latex foam mattresses.)

Did you change your type of mattress when purchasing a new bed (i.e. from innerspring to memory foam)? Did the salesperson help you make this choice?

Are you using mattress pads, for example a latex pad, or a plush pillow pad? Are you liking them?

Are you experiencing any weird smells with your mattress (plastic or foam smells, for example)? How long does it take for them to go away?

Were you pleased overall with the sales process? Did you feel pressured? Did you find the salespeople informative?

Did you like your new mattress right away or did it take time to get used to it?

Did you use a testing period? If you returned the mattress, did that process go smoothly? What did you have to pay for to return it?

How To Work With

Searching Out the Best Mattress Vendors in Marin County

Your search for the best mattress vendors in Marin County, whether you are looking in San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo, Mill Valley, or Larkspur, should lead you to professional, courteous, and knowledgeable sales people.

Look for a clean, bright showroom where you feel comfortable spending some time lying on the beds and testing your options. You’ll want to spend a minimum of fifteen minutes on your top choices to make sure they are comfortable, and a half an hour will give you an even better idea of how the mattress feels over the long-term.

Make sure you and your partner come to the showroom to test the bed so that you’re sure the mattress you choose works best for both of you.

Look for a showroom that offers the type of mattress you want, and if you want to experiment with different mattress types, ideally a show room that offers the different types for side-by-side comparisons.

While you don’t have to focus overmuch on the specifications, since comfort is always your first concern, you will want a showroom that can show you cross-sections of the mattress and talk about the different layers of the mattress. Only work with a store that can clearly outline warranties, test periods, and return policies.

Try different examples from different vendors and different stores, if you are trying out a specific mattress type, especially if you are new to the kind of mattress. You may not like a memory foam mattress from one vendor, but you may like a memory foam mattress from a different vendor. It pays to test in different stores because stores may have more or less frequently tested beds, which can affect your testing experience.

When you shop, be wary about claims that say the mattress provides “orthopedic” or “chiropractic” support. The mattresses you look at in a department store or mattress store will not be medical products, so take all such claims with a grain of salt. If you have health concerns, you may want to ask your doctor for any recommendations before you shop.

Make it Easy to Work With Your Mattress Vendor in Marin County
A little preparation helps keep mattress shopping manageable. Know what size mattress you want to buy. If you want to change the size of your mattress, measure your room dimensions so that the sales person can help you assess the fit of the new size. Wear comfortable clothing. A good sales person will expect you to try out the mattresses. They’ll also know how to leave you alone for a bit while you do.

If you expect to share with a partner, bring your partner along. This will save time in the long run. Bring a measurement of how far your current mattress is off the floor, especially if you have concerns about getting into or out of bed.

If you are shopping with the name of a specific mattress in mind, bring its specifications, too. This is because mattress names vary from store to store, but a good salesperson will be able to match the specifications to a mattress his or her store carries.

Some manufacturers have agreements with hotels to make beds for those hotels. You can go to the hotel to test out the beds, and the same models are often available for sale to the public. You can also sleep over at a friend’s sometimes, if you want to test a certain mattress and they own it. These tactics will help reduce the time you spending testing beds in the store.

If you have health concerns, such as allergies or asthma, or back pain, talk with your doctor about your mattress before you start shopping. Doctors may or may not be able to recommend what you should look for, depending on their experience and expertise. A mattress store may be able to recommend some products that can help with some conditions – for example, a mattress cover can help keep allergens down.

However, if you truly need a medical mattress or bed, you will not find the best choices in a department store or mattress store. Instead, ask your health care professional to suggest medical mattresses or hospital bed suppliers you can purchase from directly.

Be a Good Customer

Be A Good Customer When Buying a New Mattress

It’s the mattress vendor’s responsibility to supply a quality mattress. But you play a big part in the success of your mattress, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer when hiring a Marin County mattress store.

Be clear and honest with the mattress vendor. Explain what you want from your new mattress, the long-term outcome you’re expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations in terms of customer service and products.

Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way.

Before you purchase a new bed from a mattress center in Marin County, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the mattress representative your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local mattress vendors occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.

Be sure your service representative has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they’re working with you on choosing a mattress. The work will move along more smoothly if your mattress vendor can reach you for any necessary updates or questions.

Why would you want to be a good customer? Mattress vendors in Marin County appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.

Check The Work

Get It in Writing from Your Marin Mattress Store

Mattress warranty conditions vary widely, so be sure to get any guarantee you’re promised in writing and that you fully understand the conditions of that guarantee.

For example, many warranties will only cover manufacturing defects, not normal wear and tear. Some mattress warranties prorate a refund over time. So, if you return your mattress immediately, you might get the full value, while if you return it in five years, you might only get 10% of the value.

Mattress warranty conditions vary widely, so be sure to get any guarantee you’re promised in writing and that you fully understand the conditions of that guarantee.

For example, many warranties will only cover manufacturing defects, not normal wear and tear. Some mattress warranties prorate a refund over time. So, if you return your mattress immediately, you might get the full value, while if you return it in five years, you might only get 10% of the value.

Some warranties also depend on the mattress condition to be valid. In these cases, the person picking up the mattress examines the mattress and determines whether it is eligible for return – which it may not be if it has stains, visible damage or other specified problems with the condition. For this reason, you should ask if there are any specific rules about which mattresses can be returned and which cannot.

Be sure you know whether your warranty gives you a refund or if you can only exchange a mattress for another one.

When your vendor writes up the invoice for your mattress, be sure he or she includes the word “New”. This protects you from unknowingly buying a recovered/used mattress and may be of help in warranty disputes. Similarly, ensure that the “Do Not Remove” tag is intact on your mattress when you purchase it. While the tag is designed to prove that you have a new mattress, it’s a good idea for you not to remove it even after you purchase the mattress, since you will need information printed on it if you have a warranty claim.

Take full advantage of any test period. It can take time to get used to a new mattress, especially if it’s a new type for you. It’s not unusual to dislike a mattress for most of the test period, then suddenly like it for the remainder of the test period, so do take advantage of all the time you are allowed. It’s especially important to take advantage of a testing period if you buy an online mattress, since you won’t be able to try it before you buy.

Find out what is required to return a mattress after a test period. Is there a mattress condition clause – what if it gets stained? Do you have to pay shipping or delivery fees? At the end of the testing period, can you get a refund, or do you have to select another mattress? What delivery or shipping costs do you have to pay to exchange the mattress?

Written Warranties

Get It in Writing from Your Marin Mattress Store

Mattress warranty conditions vary widely, so be sure to get any guarantee you’re promised in writing and that you fully understand the conditions of that guarantee.

For example, many warranties will only cover manufacturing defects, not normal wear and tear. Some mattress warranties prorate a refund over time. So, if you return your mattress immediately, you might get the full value, while if you return it in five years, you might only get 10% of the value.

Some warranties also depend on the mattress condition to be valid. In these cases, the person picking up the mattress examines the mattress and determines whether it is eligible for return – which it may not be if it has stains, visible damage or other specified problems with the condition. For this reason, you should ask if there are any specific rules about which mattresses can be returned and which cannot.

Be sure you know whether your warranty gives you a refund or if you can only exchange a mattress for another one.

When your vendor writes up the invoice for your mattress, be sure he or she includes the word “New”. This protects you from unknowingly buying a recovered/used mattress and may be of help in warranty disputes. Similarly, ensure that the “Do Not Remove” tag is intact on your mattress when you purchase it. While the tag is designed to prove that you have a new mattress, it’s a good idea for you not to remove it even after you purchase the mattress, since you will need information printed on it if you have a warranty claim.

Take full advantage of any test period. It can take time to get used to a new mattress, especially if it’s a new type for you. It’s not unusual to dislike a mattress for most of the test period, then suddenly like it for the remainder of the test period, so do take advantage of all the time you are allowed. It’s especially important to take advantage of a testing period if you buy an online mattress, since you won’t be able to try it before you buy.

Find out what is required to return a mattress after a test period. Is there a mattress condition clause – what if it gets stained? Do you have to pay shipping or delivery fees? At the end of the testing period, can you get a refund, or do you have to select another mattress? What delivery or shipping costs do you have to pay to exchange the mattress?

Top 10 Requests

Popular Brands of New Mattresses in Marin County and the Bay Area

There are many different mattress brands available. The top three in the US are Sealy, Simmons, and Serta, accounting for most sales. These brands used to focus only on innerspring mattresses, but they are now also beginning to offer memory foam mattresses or latex foam mattresses. A few firms, such as Tempur-pedic, offer only one kind of mattress – in this case, memory foam. Typically you’ll want to buy from a company that you trust to be in business for the life of the mattress warranty.

Tempur-Pedic Mattresses
Tempur-Pedic sells memory foam mattresses, some with luxury covering like silk and cashmere. It also sells pillows and bedding, and slippers. Adjustable bed frames and bed foundations are available, as are mattress toppers, their name for mattress pads.

Simmons Bedding Company
Simmons offers innerspring mattresses, including pillowtop mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and latex mattresses. It also offers kids’ mattresses and accessories such as pillows and mattress pads.

Sleep Number
Sleep Number focuses on air mattresses, with options that allow people sharing a bed to each set their own air mattress to the desired firmness. The company also offers bed frames and bed bases or foundations, as well as bedding and pillows.

Sealy Mattresses
Sealy includes the Stearns and Foster line. Sealy offers innerspring mattresses, including pillowtop mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and latex mattresses. It also offers kids’ mattresses and accessories such as pillows and bedding and mattress pads.

Ikea Mattresses
Ikea offers many furnishing for the home, of course, as well as mattresses. Their mattress collection includes memory foam mattresses, natural latex mattresses, and innerspring mattresses. They also offer box springs and mattress pads.

Comfort Solutions – Formerly King Koil
Comfort Solutions sells the King Koil brand of innerspring mattresses. These mattresses include layers of padding that in some cases include latex.

OMI Mattresses
OMI devotes itself to making organic mattresses. Its green mattresses are natural mattresses made from latex. Some include innersprings as well. One popular line is called OrganicPedic.

Leggett & Platt Incorporated Mattresses
Legget & Platt has more patents for bedding than any other company in the world. It focuses on innerspring mattresses and box springs.

Bergad Isoform
Isoform offers memory foam mattresses and pads. Bamboo covers are available for its mattresses. Isoform also sells an adjustable bed frame and boxsprings and frames.

Glossary Of Terms

Glossary of Terms for Customers of New Mattress Stores

Below are some definitions to help you identify and find the right new mattress for you without getting lost in the details.

air flow
Air flow is a measure of how much air can pass through a foam layer. It is usually defined in cubic feet per minute.

allergen
An allergen is anything that causes a person sensitive to that substance to react. Allergens including dust and dust mites are commonly found in mattresses, and can be responsible for increased allergy symptoms. Some types of mattresses are proven to decrease allergens, while others are more attractive to allergy-causing organisms. If you or your partner suffer from allergies, talk with the mattress store staff about mattresses and mattress covers that may aid in combating allergies in your home.

Also known as: dust, dust mites, dander, pollen

antimicrobial
Antimicrobial materials present in some mattresses help restrain or stop microorganisms from growing.

bamboo fabric
Bamboo fabric is considered a natural fabric, or textile, since it comes from the bamboo plant’s pulp. It offers antimicrobial properties and is known to be very soft and durable. It is also very breathable and handles moisture well, wicking it away from the sleeper.

body impression
Body impressions are a normal part of using a new mattress and appear in a few weeks. They are the result of the body impacting the layers of padding in a mattress.

Bonnell coil
Bonnell is another word for the hourglass springs used in some innerspring mattresses.

Also known as: hourglass spring, hourglass coil

border wire
In an innerspring, the border wire surrounds the outside of the spring system. It consists of a heavier wire than the other springs, so that it can provide edge support.

Cal-King mattresses
A large size of mattress or bed. It is 84 inches long and 72 inches wide.

Also known as California King, California King mattress, Cal-King mattress

closed cell
Refers to pockets, or cells, in polyurethane, in which the walls are not broken. This allows less air to circulate.

coil fatigue
Coil fatigue occurs when a spring or coil in an innerspring mattress can no longer bear the load it was designed to support.

discoloration
When foam is exposed to natural or artificial light, it changes color. This is discoloration and does not hurt the durability of the foam or the performance of the mattress.

double
A double bed is a specific size of bed or mattress. It is 72 inches long and 54 inches wide.

Also known as: double bed, double mattress

durability
Durability is often used to describe foam mattresses. In this context, it means how long the foam maintains its shape and its ability to bear a load.

dust mites
Animals, related to spiders, that can only be seen with a microscope. They can nest and breed in a mattress, and their droppings cause allergies and asthma.

edge guard
Support for the edge of a mattress – it can be wire or foam. In addition to protecting the edge from sagging, it can also give you more usable surface on the mattress.

full size bed
A full bed is 75 inches long and 54 inches wide.

Also known as: full-size, full-size bed, full mattress

gauge
Gauge describes the thickness of a wire. A higher gauge indicates a thinner, and usually less desirable, wire.

Also known as: wire gauge

gusset
A gusset is a way of handling fabric or other materials such that it forms a squared-off edge, for example on a pillow. Gussets can strengthen corners or edges.

heat-tempering
Heat-tempering is used to make metal, in this case mattress spring, or coils, return to the same position after it is compressed, even when used over time. The process can make the coil weaker.

helical
In some bed innersprings, a helical, or spiral wire, holds the coils together.

Also known as: helical lacing

Hevea brasiliensis
A tree whose sap is used to make natural latex.

Also known as: latex tree

hybrid mattress
A mattress that uses moere than one of the mattress technologies –by combining latex foam and innersprings, for example.

king size mattresses
A mattress or bed that is 80 inches long and 76 inches wide.

Also known as: king bed, Eastern king, king mattress

molded foam
A molded foam product is one in which the product is created by placing cellular foam in a mould. These products, for example pillows, are viewed as durable and of good quality.

offset coil
In an innerspring, an offset coil is used to allow the mattress to mold to the body better and to be more flexible. It has squared edges.

open cell structure
An open cell structure occurs in foam. It is characterized by cells that do not have anything that prevents the flow of air through the cell walls.

padding
Padding refers to the layer of filler immediately below the ticking.

pillow top mattresses
A mattress design in which an extra layer of cushioning is appended to the top of the mattress.

plush top mattresses
A mattress design in which extra cushioning is added to the mattress, but it is built into the mattress instead of appearing as a second layer, as a pillow top does.

polyurethane foam
A chemical substance used as cushioning material. It is flexible and durable. All foam, excluding natural latex foam, is some kind of polyurethane.

quilt
A stitching technique. It is used to append the ticking to the under layers.

queen size mattresses
A size of bed or mattress that is 80 inches long and 60 inches wide.

Also known as: queen mattress

sag
“Sag” has an official definition when it comes to mattresses. It describes an indentation in the mattress more than 1.5 inches deep.

sleep set
Refers to all the pieces that make up a bed. These may include the bed frame, footboard, headboard, mattress, box spring or slat system.

Also known as: sleep system

ticking
Ticking refers to the fabric or material used for the outer-most layer of the mattress.

twin
A twin is a bed size in which the mattress is 75 inches long and 39 inches wide.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ for Local Mattress Store Customers

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified mattress store?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a mattress with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only mattress vendors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most mattress stores can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified mattress vendor.

Q: What type of new mattress should I buy for my kids?
A: When you look for a mattress for your children, pay the same kind of attention you would pay for a mattress for your own use. As kids grow, their bones need the support provided by a good mattress. For this reason, it’s not a good idea to pass on an old mattress to your children. By the time you pass it on, most of the support is probably already gone.

Q: When do I need a new mattress?
A: There are several things to consider when wondering if you need a new mattress. In the first instance, you might know you need a mattress because you are uncomfortable – there are sags or lumps or valleys that make it hard to get restful sleep. You might wake up sore or more tired than when you went to bed. If you don’t have a known reason for tossing and turning – for example, worries keeping you awake, it could well mean that your bed is preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep.

You can also ask yourself if you are making changes to your lifestyle that would make a new mattress a good idea. Has your body or health changed in any way that would make a new mattress beneficial?

Manufacturers recommend that you change your mattress at least every 10-13 years and sometimes more often, like 7-8 years for innerspring mattresses. Memory foam and latex foam mattresses can last up to 20 years.

Q: I want to be environmentally friendly; what are my options when it comes to eco-friendly mattresses?
A: There are some new mattress manufacturers who focus on environmentally-friendly mattresses. These green mattresses can usually biodegrade. There is no standard yet for organic mattresses, though some have been proposed. In general, green mattresses use natural materials, which may be organic. Cotton, latex, and wool are commonly used. If you are looking for natural or organic materials, make sure they are not treated with chemicals. Sometimes chemicals are used for fire-resistance.

Q: Can I buy a used mattress?
A: In California, the sale of reused mattresses is regulated. You can buy one, but the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BHFTI) sets standards for how used mattresses must be cleaned before they can be resold. This cleaning is vital to stop the spread of diseases and pests like bedbugs. A reconditioned mattress carries a sanitation seal in California, and you should not buy a used mattress if it does not.

Q: Is it possible to purchase a new mattress online?
A: There are some stores that only sell mattresses online. In this case, you should ask for a test period. The period will allow you to have the mattress in your home for the specified period of time to see if you like it.

Be sure that you understand all the details about the test period. When will the mattress be delivered? Will your current mattress be taken away? What are the delivery costs? If you decide not to keep the mattress, what are the conditions for return? Does the mattress have to be in a certain state – what if it got dirty? Who pays the return shipping? How do you get the mattress collected?

If at all possible, test a mattress in person, then you can note down the specifications of one you like and look for something similar online.

Q: Should I worry about chemicals in my new mattress?
A: Some chemicals are used in mattresses, in large part to increase fire resistance. In 2005, California passed a law that says mattresses must withstand an open flame of 2,000 degrees for 70 seconds. The requirement was later promulgated on a national level.

To meet the requirement, mattresses use many chemicals, and the manufacturers do not have to put the information on the label. They may even decline to tell you what chemicals they use; one manufacturer was quoted as saying they didn’t want their recipe known. Be wary of organic mattresses that claim they use wool instead to meet the requirements, since wool burns at 600 degrees.

To control the chemicals present on your mattress, use a mattress cover and possibly a mattress pad to put protection between you and the mattress surface. With a prescription, you can get a mattress that does not have the fire-resistant chemicals. Some companies make mattresses and place the fire retardants in a removable barrier.

Q: What are foundations, when it comes to beds and mattresses?
A: Foundations are the support on which your bed rests. For innerspring mattresses, box springs are a common support. A box spring is a wooden frame that may include springs to help support the mattress’s load. Typically, innersprings and box springs are sold in sets. Sometimes you can replace a more expensive box spring with a lower cost box spring from the same manufacturer.

Be sure to check to see whether your warranty is voided if you do not buy a new box spring at the same time you buy the mattress – some manufacturers require the pair be purchased to maintain the warranty. In any case, do not use old, sagging box springs with a new mattress, as they will not offer the proper support.

Innersprings can also rest on fixed or flexible slats. Slats tend to last the lifetime of the bed, but if they do sag, they need to be replaced. Slats are often used with foam mattresses, whether latex foam or memory foam.

Q: Is that really a good deal for a new mattress?
A: Mattresses often have really big markups. You should not be surprised to find discounts of 50% off a manufacturer’s price. And you should not feel shy about haggling to get more off if you can. Also be aware that sales happen often – it’s rarely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even if no sale is on, you can still haggle on the price. There are a few mattress stores in Sonoma County that offer discount prices every day, and they may be less open to haggling.

Q: What type of mattress is best?
A: The answer to this is simple. The best mattress is the one that gives you and your sleeping partner, if you have one, the best comfort. This includes the right amount of support and enough space.

The best way to determine the best mattress is to try them out in the store. Plan to spend a good amount of time – at least fifteen minutes and better if you can get thirty minutes. Test with the person you sleep with and look for things like good back support, no aching body parts from hard mattresses, enough softness to keep you comfortable, not too much heat production, and the ability to move easily, including getting in and out of the bed.